Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Precious Book of Mormon Another Testament of Jesus Christ~

graphic by LeAnn

I loved to read, and I do a lot of reading. If I were to tell you my favorite book of all; it would be The Book of Mormon. I have read, pondered and studied this book of scriptures many times throughout my life. It has answered questions about life and has given me answers to prayers. I have had the privilege of teaching from it's pages to both family and classrooms. This is a powerful book and if read, will bless your life.

First of all, I should tell you what The Book of Mormon is. Quoting from the introductory page of this book: "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fullness of the everlasting gospel.

The Book was written by many ancient prophets by the spirit of prophecy and revelation their words, written on gold plates, were quoted and abridged by a prophet-historian, named Mormon. The record gives an account of two great civilizations. One came from Jerusalem in 600 B.C., and afterwards separated into two nations, known as the Nephites and the Lamanites. The other came much earlier when the Lord confounded the tongues at the Tower of Babel. This group is known as the Jaredites. After thousands of years, all were destroyed except the Lamanites, and they are the principal ancestors of the American Indians.

The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after his resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.

After Mormon completed his writing. he delivered the account to his son Moroni, who added a few words of his own and hid up the plates in the Hill Cumorah. On September 21, 1823, the same Moroni, then a glorified, resurrected being, appeared to the Prophet Joseph Smith and instructed him relative to the ancient record and its destined translation into the English language."

I have a fervent belief in and testimony of The Book of Mormon. I have had many sacred experiences while turning the pages of this wonderful book. The stories are ever relevant and have helped me in my marriage relationships, teaching children and other significant circumstances.

If I were to suggest a book to inspire your marriage, raise your families or heal your soul; this would be the first that I would point to, followed by the Holy Bible.

Many years ago I was struggling with how to help one of my children. They were having some deep struggles. I prayed and fasted mightily for him. I wanted to know how to help him. I took my Book of Mormon and headed for the temple grounds. While sitting in my car by the side of the temple I prayed and as I opened up the scriptures; the answer was right there. This has occurred countless times throughout my life when I have had deeply concerning questions. I know that this book of scriptures is true. I have tested it's principles and doctrines; they are sound. This book goes hand in hand with the Old Testament, New Testament, and other sacred writings.

Here are just a few of the scriptures that I have loved and enjoyed. To me the most overwhelming chapters in The Book of Mormon are found in 3 Nephi. Here the Savior visited the ancient people of this land, following his resurrection.

In 3 Nephi 17: 21-23;

21."And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.

22. And when he had done this he wept again;

23. And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them; Behold your little ones.

24. And as they looked to behold they cast their eyes towards heaven, and they saw the heavens open, and they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, and they were encircled about with fire; and the angels did minister unto them........ "

Twelve years ago an infant granddaughter, Averi was fighting for her life in the Primary Children's Intensive Care. During those five months of not knowing whether she would live or die; The words from The Book of Mormon gave me great comfort. She is a living miracle through faith, the prayers of many, and priesthood blessings. She is blind but has continued to learn and to grow. We are grateful for her presence in our lives. I pray daily that I might someday witness her total healing through Christ. When the Savior appeared to these people He healed them.

3 Nephi 17: 7 the Savior said; "Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy.

I look forward to that day when the Savior of the World comes and my sweet Averi and so many others like her, are healed. This compelling book gives me that hope.

Here are some questions it will answer;

. Is there life after death? (Alma 40)

. What is the purpose of life? (Alma 34)

. Does God know me? (Alma 5:38, 58)

. Does God answer prayers? (Enos 1)

. How can I find peace and joy? (Mosiah 2,4)

. How can my family be happier and more united? (Mosiah 2)

. How can I strengthen my relationship with my spouse? (3Nephi 14)

. How can I avoid the evils that threaten my family? (Alma 39)

From the introduction in the Book of Mormon comes this invitation;

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (see Moroni 10:3-5).

It is my testimony that The Book of Mormon is a true book of scripture for our latter days. Come and see!

What a great post. You are such a good writer. I do love for you to share your testimony. It strengthens mine. I to love the Book of Mormon. I can't imagine what life would be without it. It's like the foundation of our lives.

My dear friend I have so enjoyed reading this post and your previous post on patience. You are a talented and faithful blogger. I hope that many are reading your words and being touched by your testimony. May I add my testimony to yours. I too love the Book of Mormon and know that it is truly a book of scripture. It blesses my life as I read from it each day.

Thank you for your friendship and sweet encouragement. I love getting your comments. They lift my spirits and mean a lot to me. I'm thankful to have you for a friend. You are a wonderful example to me. Have a great week. Hugs, Lura